Georgia REACH Program Expands

Georgia REACH, a program offered by the Rosalynn Carter Institute, is now available in most parts the West Central and Southwest Georgia area. The counties served include Crisp, Dougherty, Dooly, Lee, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Schley, Terrell, and Webster. Provided to caregivers of loved ones with memory loss, Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementia, it focuses on the specific needs of the individual served. One on one discussion sessions are held in the caregiver’s home or location of their choosing at a time that is most convenient for them. Together the caregiver and their caregiver coach decide what challenges they should address and work together to find solutions over a six month period. There is no cost to the families served and all information is held completely confidential.

With the expansion of the program, a new team member has been hired. Valarie Grimes began working with Georgia REACH on the first of April. Valarie, a registered nurse, has years of professional experience working with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. She also has personal experience, as her mother is currently living with Alzheimer’s disease. She knows first hand the challenges that this brings for the family, and will be able to use both her professional and personal experience to help caregivers that are in a similar situation.

The Georgia REACH program is one of a kind in many ways, including that this service is free. Caregivers are accepted on a per need basis, rather than income or insurance based. There is currently no waiting list for Georgia REACH, offered through the Rosalynn Carter Institute.

The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI) was established in 1987 on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) in Americus, Georgia. The Georgia REACH program is funded by the Administration on Aging and provided through a partnership which includes the Middle Flint Council on Aging, the River Valley Area Agency on Aging, and the Georgia Department of Aging Services.

Contact:
Naomi Latini, Program Manager
Georgia REACH Program
Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving
229-928-1234